CROWN POINT | A local Republican state representative candidate who narrowly won his party's nomination in May has withdrawn his name from the November ballot citing changes in his priorities and actions in his party.
Andrew Webster, a Crown Point resident and candidate in District 19, removed his name from the ballot Tuesday morning when he filed paperwork with the Indiana Election Division. Withdrawals for the November ballot were allowed until noon Tuesday.
Webster could not be reached for comment but issued a one-paragraph statement about his withdrawal.
"Due to priority changes in my life and actions within the Republican organization at this time, I am currently unable to wage a successful campaign," the statement said. It also said Webster is looking forward to returning to politics.
Webster beat his primary opponent Bill Johnson by 24 votes with only nine votes separating the two in Lake County. House District 19 covers southeastern Lake County as well as portions of Porter and Newton counties.
Webster was scheduled to face state Rep. Shelli VanDenburgh, D-Crown Point, who was appointed to the seat in 2007. The seat was vacated by former Rep. Bob Kuzman, D-Crown Point, who left the area to take a job with Indianapolis law firm Ice Miller.
VanDenburgh said Webster's withdrawal creates some uncertainty in the race as the GOP now can appoint a replacement to face her in the fall.
"It was good to know what I was up against," said VanDenburgh, who said she will continue to campaign daily.
Lake County Republican Chairman John Curley said the party will fill the vacancy but declined to speculate who may be on the November ballot.
Within hours after Webster issued a statement about his withdrawal, Crown Point resident Jim Cuffia, 44, said he intends to file paperwork to be considered to fill the vacancy.
Cuffia, a civil and structural engineer, said he filed paperwork in February to run for the seat but withdrew his name because Webster and Johnson also were running.
Pamela Potesta, the co-director of the Indiana Election Division, said state Republican Party Chairman Murray Clark has until Aug. 5 to schedule a caucus, which must take place by Aug. 15.
Times staff writer Patrick Guinane contributed to this report.
